The oil is extracted from a native Australian plant, Melaleuca Alternifolia, particularly found in New South Wales and Queensland. While the Chinese and Aborigines have used tea tree oil for centuries, it has grown in popularity over the last few decades across other countries as an alternative treatment to heal conditions that affect skin, hair, and nail.
Many cosmetic and skincare brands are using tea tree oil in their antiseptic product lines now. You can also use pure tea tree oil in many home remedies for your skin.
In this blog, we have shared information on how you can use treat pimples naturally with tea tree oil.
Tea Tree Oil for Skin Problems
Tea tree oil’s broad spectrum of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can be used as a natural healing agent for acne and pimples. The extreme antimicrobial activity in tea tree oil enables it to fight bacteria effectively. Besides treating skin problems, tea tree oil is used as a mosquito repellant, disinfectant, and oral health care solution.In traditional practice, the leaves were crushed to extract the oil, which was then used as an inhaler to cure a cold and cough. The crushed leaves were also directly applied to the skin.
Why Tea Tree Oil Works
Several active ingredients are present in tea tree oil, including terpinen-4-ol that has shown to kill certain viruses, bacteria, and fungus.Tea tree oil contains antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil is used as a therapeutic cure for athlete’s foot, contact dermatitis, lice, dandruff, toe and nail fungus, gingivitis, and bad breath.
Studies have proven that tea tree oil can kill many commonly known bacteria and viruses, such as H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, E. Coli, and S. aureus.
This makes the essential oil a favorable natural, alternative treatment for the following:
- Hand sanitization
- Mouthwash, as effective as chlorhexidine
- All-purpose kitchen, floor, and washroom cleanser
- Room freshener and deodorizer
- Oily skin
- Wound healing (cuts, infections, bruises, etc.)
- Skin irritation and allergies
- Auto-immune skin disorders, like Eczema and Psoriasis \
- Hair and scalp treatments
- Acne and rashes
- Mold growth in fruits and vegetables
How to Treat Pimples Naturally with Tea Tree Oil?
Since the oil is completely natural, which cannot be reproduced in any means, it can heal acne and pimples faster than cosmetics and modern antiseptics.Acne is the most general skin condition that tea tree oil treats. According to a study conducted on pimple-prone individuals, a combination of tea tree oil gel and 5% of benzoyl peroxide lotion (a common acne medication) improved the severity of the acne. They reduced the number of pimples with no side effects. The study showed that the treatment was three times more effective than a placebo.
Researchers found that the participants in the study had smaller and fewer pores, fewer bacteria, and minimal oil secretion.
Another study that happened in 2018 found that tea tree oil, aloe vera, and propolis together could treat acne far better than other OTC solutions.
How to Apply Tea Tree on Face to Treat Pimples and Acne
Pure tree tea oil is highly concentrated and, therefore, must not be directly applied to the face or skin. The fragrance compounds found in the oil, such as eucalyptol, linalool, and limonene, are believed to cause a sensitized reaction if not diluted. Hence, it is better to dilute the oil to 5% concentration (that’s all you need) with a carrier oil, like almond, olive, or coconut oil. That being said, different skins react to essential oils in different ways. Therefore, you should conduct a patch test before applying it to your face.Step 1: Dilute the Oil
Best carrier oils for face are pure coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, sunflower oil, and avocado oil. Choose something that suits your skin and light in nature.Make sure you don’t use any other oily substance on your skin to worsen the condition.
Mix one to two drops of tea tree oil in twelve drops of carrier oil. You can increase or decrease the volume based on your usage. Mix the oils properly and store the content in a clean bottle.
Step 2: Complete a Patch Test
To test if you are not sensitive to tea tree oil, you must do a patch test.- Apply the diluted oil on the inside of your elbow.
- Wait for 12 hours to see a possible reaction.
- If you are allergic to the oil, you may notice redness, inflammation, swelling, burning, and itchiness.
- If there’s nothing as such, you are good to go.
Step 3: Clean Your Face
Do not apply on an unclean face. Wash your face with a gentle face wash to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin. Washing will also open the pores, which will help the tea tree oil to soak in better.Do not scrub too hard. You will break the acne otherwise and spread the infection.
Pat your skin dry (avoid rubbing).
Step 4: Apply the Prepared Tea Tree Oil
Take a few drops of the oil preparation and apply on the pimples with a cotton pad or using your clean fingertips. Ensure you cover the surrounding skin as well.Let the oil dry.
Step 5: Apply Moisturiser
Follow up with your moisturiser. The moisturiser should be oil-free yet hydrating. Apply on your neck too.Repeat the steps twice a day, preferably morning and night, to see effective results in a few weeks. Tea tree oil should be included in your skincare routine if you have acne-prone skin. It is less expensive than most of the cosmetics you use for your skin. So, rest assured.
NOTE: Tea Tree oil shouldn’t be swallowed. It can cause adverse effects. Stop the treatment right away if you experience itchiness, swelling, and redness.
Tea tree is a herbal oil. While you can easily find it in most drugstores, it should be bought from a good herbal brand or herbalist. Moreover, buy only the oil brand that says 100% tea tree oil.
If you found the information in this blog effective, do share it with someone who is looking for a home remedy for acne or pimple.
Author Bio:
Emylee is a wellness lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, yoga and fitness through her writing. She currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.
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